Tobacco | Consumer Voice

State Level Consultation for Sensitization of Stakeholders to Mandate the Strict Implementation of Vendor Licensing in Goa

by admin | Nov 22, 2019 | Tobacco

State Level Consultation for Sensitization of Stakeholders to Mandate the Strict Implementation of Vendor Licensing in Goa

Consumer VOICE in collaboration with National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE) Goa organised a stakeholders’ consultation at Conference Hall, Manipal Hospitals, Goa on November 1, 2019. The main objective of the event was to discuss the implementation of the Government of Goa’s policy on mandating licensing for vendors selling tobacco.In the welcome address, the President of NOTE Dr.Shekhar Salkar, gave an overview of the tobacco control measures implemented in the state of Goa. He thanked the Goa Government for issuing the order on vendor licensing. He also called ULBs (Urban Local Bodies) to implement it in letter and spirit for saving lives of future generations.

Further, Shri Amarjeet Singh, Advisor Legal, Consumer VOICE, gave a presentation on tobacco vendor licensing and told “Our recent study pointed that the density of tobacco vendors is too high even in residential areas as we found 198 tobacco point of sale in 2 areas of Goa. We observed several violation of COTPA at PoS (Point of Sale).” The Vendor licensing order issued by Department of Urban Development can be very effective in tobacco control.

Shri Uday Madkaikar Mayor-City Corporation Panaji said, we will take all necessary action for the effective implementation of Vendor Licensing. Shri Sanjit Rodrigues-Commissioner of Corporation of the City of Panaji, stated “I will personally initiate a meeting with all stake holders to ensure that vendor licensing is being strictly adhered to in strategic areas like schools etc.” Dr. Jose De Sa-Directorate of Health Services [DHS] Govt of Goa, another chief guest of the event said that the public health department is working out a strategy to control and prevent tobacco-related deaths by adopting service, educational and regulation approach.

The other key speakers of the event were Shri Pramod Acharya , Anchor-Prudent TV Shri Sanyof Kudlakar, Senior Food Safety Officer FDA.

The programme was also attended by more than 50 health experts, doctors from Directorate of Health Services[ DHS] Govt of Goa, Food and Drugs Inspectors from Directorate of Food and Drugs Administration, Police Inspectors and Sub Inspectors from Goa Police department, tobacco control activists, print and electronic media, civil society activists etc.

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New set of Health Warnings on all Tobacco Products

by admin | Sep 3, 2019 | Tobacco

New set of Health Warnings on all Tobacco Products

From September 1^st, 2019, new tobacco new sets of specified health warnings issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, for all tobacco product packs will be implemented. The Ministry notified new sets of specified health warnings for all tobacco product packs by making an amendment in the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labeling) Rules, 2008 vide GSR 331(E) dated 3rd April 2018 “Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labeling) Second Amendment Rules, 2018”. The amended Rules are applicable w.e.f. 1st September 2018.This decision of the Ministry has been applauded by Consumer VOICE and its state partners. Shri Ashim Sanyal, COO, Consumer VOICE said “In a country like India, where people use several languages and dialects, the pictorial warning transcend the language and, in many cases, also the illiteracy barrier. Quit-line number is a better way of quitting tobacco addiction, and effective prevention for younger generation who initiate tobacco use.”

As per the recent second round of Global Adult Tobacco Survey [GATS-2, 2016-17] conducted in the age group 15 years and above, 61.9% of current cigarette smokers, 53.8% of current bidi smokers and 46.2% of current smokeless tobacco users thought about quitting because of warning label on packets of cigarette, bidi and smokeless tobacco.

As per the notification, during the rotation period 2 images of specified health warnings as notified in the schedule shall be displayed on all tobacco product packages the image would be rotated by a new set of images after the completion of twelve months from the date of commencement of first image.

Two images were notified vide the above notification with a clause that date of coming into effect of the second image (image 2) of specified health warning, shall be for all tobacco products manufactured or imported after the completion of twelve months from the date of commencement of first image (image 1).

Image-1 of the said notification came into effect from 1^st September, 2018 and as such all tobacco products manufactured or packaged or imported on or after 1^st September, 2019 shall display Image-2.

Telephone Quit-line number “QUIT TODAY CALL 1800-11-2356” is also the part of the health warning. This helps in creating awareness among tobacco users, and gives them access to counselling services to affect behaviour changes. There shall be one common specified health warning for both smoking and smokeless forms of tobacco products.

Click here for the press release

Higher Taxation by GST Council will curb Tobacco Addiction

by admin | Jul 3, 2019 | Tobacco

Higher Taxation by GST Council will curb Tobacco Addiction

Consumer VOICE in its effort to control tobacco menace has been working closely with the government and other state partners. With the budget round the corner and the new Finance Minster taking charge, Consumer VOICE has urged the members of the GST Council to retain tobacco products as demerit goods at the highest tax rate of 28% plus cess under GST. In its letter to all the states and the Ministry, Consumer VOICE has applauded the government’s initiatives of keeping cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in the highest tax slab.

The GST council should maintain the high taxation as it will discourage the consumption of tobacco among all especially among the youth. Consumer VOICE has also appealed to the members of the GST Council to include Bidis as a “sin” product under GST. Bidis are equally harmful as cigarettes and almost10 lakh deaths are reported in India every year due to consumption of bidi. Tax burden on bidis post-GST is only 22% compared to 53% for cigarettes and about 60% for smokeless tobacco.

India has the largest number of tobacco users (268 million or 28.6% of all adults in India) in the world – of these at least 12 lakh die every year from tobacco related diseases and one of the best ways to discourage use of tobacco is by increasing the price of tobacco and tobacco related products.

Keeping this in mind, Consumer VOICE has written a Letter to the Finance Minister requesting for her kind support on public health issues like controlling of tobacco menace.

For Media Coverage, Please click here

World No Tobacco Day – Bhopal-MP

by admin | Jun 12, 2019 | Tobacco

World No Tobacco Day – Bhopal-MP

National Centre for Human Settlements and Environment, Bhopal and Consumer VOICE- a New Delhi based non-profit organization working on tobacco control issues in the state of Madhya Pradesh, organised a consultation on the eve of World No Tobacco Day to discuss the implementation of Government of MP’s policy on mandating licensing for vendors who sell tobacco products. The event was focused on spreading awareness about the health hazards of tobacco and sensitization of various stakeholders to support vendor licensing- which is an effective tool for tobacco control.

On September 20th, 2018 the Department of Urban Development of Madhya Pradesh though a circular (F 10-37/2018/18–2/) advising all urban local bodies/ smart cities for thorough Compliance of Section 4,5,6 and 7 of COTPA to develop a mechanism to provide permission/authorization/ vendor licensing All participants including parents, activists, health welcomed and appreciated this step to protect public health and demanded it to implement strictly.

Mr.Avinash Srivastava Deputy Director, National Centre for Human Settlements and Environment, gave a brief introduction about the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Amarjeet Singh, Adviser (Legal & Projects) Consumer VOICE, New Delhi highlighted that Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2 (GATS 2) released by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in year 2017. It shows 35% percent of adults in Madhya Pradesh consume tobacco in some form or the other.

He further said “Our recent study pointed that the density of tobacco vendors is too high in both commercial and residential areas and there is no record available of tobacco vendors. There were 408 tobacco vendors in 6 wards/areas of 3 cities of Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal, Gwalior & Indore). He added that “the order issued on this note by Department of Urban Development can be very effective in tobacco control.”

During the follow up Panel discussion, Shri Vinod Shukla, Dy Commissioner, Bhopal Municipal Corporation, Shri O.P Jha, Dy Director, Urban Development & Housing, Dr S.K Saxena, Former CMHO Bhopal, Mrs Archana Sahay, Chief Executive Shri Vinod Shukla, Dy Commissioner, Bhopal Municipal Corporation said that a special clause is being added in the license to the vendors specifying compliance of section 4, 5, 6 and 7 of COTPA which will be effective for new licenses to be issued in 2019. He also suggested that shops selling tobacco products should be restricted to a designated place. He further says that excise department should issue licenses for selling tobacco products and monitor them as well.

Shri O.P.Jha said that though the Urban Development Department issued directives to the urban local bodies, there is need for intensive monitoring system to make it successful. He further suggested that the suggestions emerged today through the discussion should be sent to DPI for consideration. Dr.S.K.Saxena, Former CMO, Bhopal highlighted that children of the age group 5-15 are the most vulnerable class and should be protected. Shri Rajiv Tiwari a former tobacco addict explained his traumatic experience of tobacco addiction. Mrs. Archana Sahay said that there is a need for educating the children and the police about the provision of JJ Act 2015 which prohibit selling of tobacco and other drugs to children.

While summing up the discussion Dr. Pradip Nandi, Director General, NCHSE appreciated the issuance of orders on vendor licensing by the Urban Development Department. He expressed hope that ULBs will implement it in letter and spirit for saving lives of future generations. The event was attended by more than 70 people including, doctors, and municipal officials, representatives from media, tobacco victims, NGO volunteer students and social activists. The seminar ended with question answer session followed by lunch. A set of 5 posters on Tobacco Control were also released by the guest speakers and brochure on tobacco awareness also distributed.

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World No Tobacco Day 2019

by admin | May 23, 2019 | Tobacco

World No Tobacco Day 2019

“ I curse the day I was introduced to smoking by my peer group. Today at 30, just when I thought I am on a roller coaster ride I am diagnosed with lung cancer,” said Pradyut who is lying on the hospital bed since the past one month.Tobacco smoking is not cool and such stories give goose bumps. It is not only illiteracy, corruption or unemployment that is killing India today. Tobacco strikes early and strikes hard without giving life a second chance.

What is World No Tobacco Day

World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on May 31 by World Health Organisation (WHO) to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use while advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

How is Consumer VOICE observing WNTD 2019?

VOICE is observing this day in partnered states of Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand Uttarakhand, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. The objective is to spread message about harmful effects of tobacco use and its impact and strict enforcement and implementation of COTPA 2003.

The World No Tobacco Day 2019 campaign will raise awareness on the:

risks posed by tobacco smoking and second-hand smoke exposure;
awareness on the particular dangers of tobacco smoking to lung health;
magnitude of death and illness globally from lung diseases caused by tobacco, including chronic respiratory diseases and lung cancer;
emerging evidence on the link between tobacco smoking and tuberculosis deaths;
implications of second-hand exposure for lung health of people across age groups;
importance of lung health to achieving overall health and well-being;
feasible actions and measures that key audiences, including the public and governments, can take to reduce the risks to lung health posed by tobacco.

The theme of WNTD 2019 is “Tobacco and Lung Health”

Tobacco Consumption in India

Tobacco consumption in India is one of the biggest menace that India battles among several other. However, 2016-2017 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) report shows a remarkable reduction of tobacco consumption from 34.6% in 2009-10 to 28.6% in 2016-17. But one cannot afford to relax.

GATS Data:

The prevalence of current tobacco use among men was 42.4 percent and among women it was 14.2 percent. Every third adult (32.5%) from rural areas and every fifth adult (21.2%) from urban area reported current use of tobacco.
Among daily cigarette smokers, average cigarette expenditure per month has increased significantly from Rs. 668.04 in GATS 1 to Rs. 1192.45 in GATS 2, after adjusting for inflation.
The mean number of cigarettes smoked per day by a daily cigarette smoker was 6.8
Khaini and bidi are the most commonly used tobacco products. However, the prevalance of tobacco use among minors aged 15-17 has decreased from 10% in GATS 1 to 4% in GATS 2.

Health Benefits of Quitting

Within 2-12 weeks of quitting smoking your circulation improves and your lung function increases.
10 years, your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker and your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decreases.
1 year, your risk of coronary heart disease is about half that of a smoker’s.
Quitting smoking decreases the excess risk of many diseases related to second-hand smoke in children.

How to control Tobacco Consumption

The small silver lining that the GATS report shows has been because of efforts of the government and NGOs working at the grass root level. India was among the first countries to ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2004. Indian enacted comprehensive tobacco control legislation, entitled, “The Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003” (COTPA). Under Section 6 (b) of COTPA, the sale of tobacco products is prohibited in an area within a radius of 100 yards of any educational institutions and mandatory signage in this regard should be displayed prominently near the main gate and on the boundary wall of the school institute.

One of the effective measures of stopping school children and minors from falling prey to tobacco smoking is implementation of vendor licensing through COTPA. The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA), specifically prohibits smoking in all public places, prohibition of direct and indirect advertisement, promotion and sponsorship of cigarettes and other tobacco products, prohibition of sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors and within 100 yards of any educational institution, and display of health warning, including pictorial warning on ill effects of tobacco use on the packages of all tobacco products.

Consumer VOICE and Voluntary Health Association of India conducted a Big Tobacco Tiny Targets study to determine the extent of tobacco products being marketed and sold around schools in India. A total sample of 243 schools and 487 points of sale were closely surveyed during this study in these 20 cities.

Through the study, investigators observed 225 points of sale of tobacco products out of the 487 points surveyed around 243 schools in 20 cities across 6 states of India. Street vendors were the most common form of sellers at 56.6% of the 225 tobacco points of sale.

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Tobacco Intervention

E-Cigarettes Survey Report

by admin | Apr 30, 2019 | Tobacco

E-Cigarettes Survey Report

Electronic cigarettes (‘e-cigarettes’) are nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) that heat a nicotine cartridge and allow users to inhale the vaporized liquid. There is no substantial evidence to prove that ENDS are effective for cessation and are less harmful than the traditional tobacco products and these are marketed in such a manner by the industry that the consumers are influenced by it. In India, the sale of E-Cigarette is largely unorganized and unregulated. A popular conventional brand such as ITC is promoting EON brand E-Cigarette popularly known as an electronic vaping device.

The present legal and regulatory gaps and dilemma in India are being used by the industry to forcefully push the entry despite government intent to restrict the entry of ENDS in the larger public interest. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India on 28th August 2018 issued an advisory to all States/UTs, to ensure that Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), e- cigarettes, Heat-Not-Burn devices, Vape, e-Sheesha, e-Nicotine Flavoured Hookah, and the like devices that enable nicotine delivery are not sold (including online sale), manufactured, distributed, traded, imported and advertised in their jurisdictions.

E cigarettes which have made inroads into the lives of Indian youth, has also entered the US market as well. Results of National Youth Tobacco Survey reveal that use of e-cigarettes among high school students has increased from 1.5% (220,000 students) in 2011 to 20.8% (3.05 million students) in 2018 (p<0.001). The situation among middle school students is not bright either. Current e-cigarette use among middle school students increased from 0.6% in 2011 (60,000 students) to 4.9% (570,000 students) in 2018. For more information, Click here

Click here for E Cigarette Survey Report

Consumer VOICE, recently conducted an observational study in the month of February 2019 to find out retail availability of e-cigarettes, and perception associated with it. In order to understand E-Cigarette brands sold in India, a five-city survey was conducted in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Lucknow.

The objectives of the survey were:

To identify the major brands of E-Cigarettes being sold in India
To determine the actual prices for the various brands available in the market
To assess the sellers’ perception of demand for E-Cigarette
To assess the buyers’ perception of need and use of E-Cigarette

The actual sample size covered was 100 respondents with 25 each in Mumbai and Delhi, 20 each in Bengaluru and Kolkata and 10 in Lucknow.
The survey reveals there is easy availability of E-cigarettes in various states despite the ban in eleven states and one Union Territory with many brands on E-Commerce platforms.